ILIGAN CITY —– The activation of internet connection in Butig, Lanao del Sur on Thursday is very important in the combat and civil military operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) according to an Army official. Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Allan Villanueva, commander of the Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion said the internet connection in Butig is very important, especially in their sending of reports and communications.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) had launched on Thursday the “Free Wifi For All” in Butig through a ceremonial activation. The project is an implementation of Republic Act No. 10929 or the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act which was simultaneously launched in Palawan, Albay, Isabela and Davao.
The DICT and the UNDP have been working together in expanding internet access coverage to the poorest and remotest areas in the country. The simultaneous ceremonial activation of “Free Wi-Fi For All” is conducted through real time live program synchronized via Skype from the DICT Central Office to the five provinces and was made possible through technology appraisal for Internet coverage called Very Small Aperture Technology (VSAT).
It is a two-way satellite ground station with a dish antenna generally used to reach remote locations due to its wide range as it accesses satellites to transmit and receive data. VSAT is the technology that would give free Wi-Fi access to far-flung areas of the country.
Previously, internet signal in the area was difficult causing delays for military to respond queries from the public in as far as peace and order and security is concerned. “We have signal booster but it is limited. The internet connection can give awareness to the people what is going on in the country, in the world, especially to the youth.
The senior high school students in Butig were briefed about the DOs and DONTs in using the internet and other social media platforms so we are hoping they are responsible enough in using the internet,” Villanueva said. The 49th IB stations at the old municipal hall building in Barangay Poblacion after liberating Butig from the ISIS-inspired group that tried to take over Butig in 2016.
Butig Mayor Dimnatang Pansar said internet connection has several importance in town especially now that the local government unit is promoting Butig as the new eco-tourism in Lanao del Sur. This is also a big help for the LGU in their efforts “to have a stronger and functional government unit”.
“Communication is very vital to sustain the peace and order stability in our area, economic recovery and also the promotion of eco-tourism,” Pansar said.
Pansar said people in Butig felt isolated in the past years and choosing their town as part of the DICT’s and UNDP’s wifi connectivity project is a big help for them to get connected to the world. “We don’t have to go to neighboring places just to submit or download our files, we already feel connected to the world because of this,” Pansar added.-Divina Suson
